An internal security memo from the Ankara Provincial Gendarmerie Command has revealed a heightened terror alert across Turkey, specifically warning of potential "sensational" attacks by the Islamic State (ISIS) targeting crowded public spaces, particularly around the New Year's holiday. The confidential document, dated December 19, outlines a range of potential attack methods and instructs personnel to significantly increase security measures in vulnerable areas.
The warning, which has since been made public, indicates that ISIS is actively seeking to carry out high-profile attacks in densely populated areas. The memo, first reported by T24, specifically cites the intelligence as an "ISIS warning from the Gendarmerie: Terror attack may be carried out on New Year's!" . The alert emphasizes that the terror group's operational capabilities have been degraded by ongoing counter-terrorism efforts both domestically and internationally, leading them to seek "sensational" actions to maintain relevance and sow fear.
According to the document, personnel were explicitly directed to step up security at public markets and shopping centers, which are identified as prime targets for large-scale attacks. The intelligence suggests that the attacks could be executed using a variety of deadly methods, including armed assaults, suicide bombings, vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), drone attacks, or the deliberate ramming of vehicles into crowds. The breadth of potential tactics underscores the serious and multi-faceted nature of the threat being monitored by Turkish security forces.
Further details reported by journalist Batu Bozkürk of Cumhuriyet indicated that the Gendarmerie had received specific intelligence suggesting a plan for simultaneous attacks using explosive-laden vehicles in crowded areas within a few days of the memo's issue date. This time-sensitive intelligence prompted the immediate internal circulation of the warning to ensure all relevant units were prepared for a rapid response.
The internal directive mandates that Gendarmerie personnel increase security checks and patrols at city entrances and within urban centers. Crucially, the memo stresses the importance of inter-agency cooperation, requiring all personnel to immediately share any acquired intelligence with the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) and local police units. This coordinated approach is designed to create a unified front against the evolving threat landscape and ensure that any actionable intelligence is swiftly acted upon to prevent attacks.
The heightened security posture comes as millions of people prepare to gather for New Year's celebrations, a period historically targeted by terror groups globally. Turkish authorities are taking proactive steps to mitigate the risk, transforming public spaces into high-security zones. The focus on markets and shopping centers reflects a strategy to protect civilian life in areas where large crowds are inevitable. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security forces as the nation navigates this period of elevated threat. The internal memo serves as a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges facing Turkey and the continuous efforts by its security apparatus to preempt and neutralize terror plots
Photo: T24